2013 NFL Draft: Pre-Combine Mock Draft

The Steelers’ starting defensive ends, Brett Keisel and Ziggy Hood, are both ending the final seasons of their contracts. Keisel will be 35 at the end of next season, while Hood hasn’t lived up to the expectations of a first-round pick, which should have the Steelers thinking to the future at the position.

The Steelers could certainly use an upgrade who can bring more interior pass-rush pressure as a 5-technique defensive end, which is exactly what they would get in Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson. Richardson is an explosive athlete who can really bring pressure up the middle, and would add an immediate playmaker to an aging defensive front seven.

As the Dallas Cowboys shift to a Tampa-2 defense under new coordinator Monte Kiffin, they should also be looking to move on from troubled, declining defensive tackle Jay Ratliff, and find a defensive tackle who is quicker and more disruptive. That is exactly what they could get from Florida’s Sharrif Floyd.

Floyd is quick and explosive but also strong and powerful, making him a potential game-changer as both an interior pass-rusher and run stopper. He may not quite be Warren Sapp, but he would be the interior defensive line difference-maker that the Cowboys lack and need for their new defensive scheme.

LSU’s Kevin Minter is a very good all-around inside linebacker prospect who would be great value in the second half of the first round, and a terrific fit to fill the Giants’ need for a middle linebacker.

The Giants need to find a leader and playmaker for their linebacker corps, and they can get that from Minter. He is a very sound run-stopper in the middle, and makes plays all over the field from blitzing into the backfield to dropping into coverage.

Brian Urlacher is one of the best defensive players of his generation, but the standout middle linebacker may have played his final game with the Chicago Bears. Even if the Bears bring him back on a short-term deal, the time is now to find a replacement for the declining star.

Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o would be a great fit to replace him. Like Urlacher, Te’o is a big, physical run-stopping middle linebacker with great instincts and a sound all-around game.

The Bears could also address a need on the offensive line with Alabama lineman Barrett Jones or North Carolina guard Jonathan Cooper, but Te’o would be tough to pass up.

Dion Jordan compares physically as a prospect is Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson, who is an unrestricted free agent. But even if Johnson re-signs with the Bengals, Jordan would still make sense for the Bengals.

Johnson eventually settled at defensive end for the Bengals, but Jordan’s best fit may actually be at strongside linebacker, where the Bengals could really use Jordan’s athleticism and playmaking ability. Jordan lacks technique as a pass-rusher, but has the raw upside to be a very good player.

With the buzz Jordan has been getting recently, it seems likely that he will end up being a first-round pick. He could be a great addition to the Bengals’ defensive front seven with his positional versatility and athleticism.

The St. Louis Rams need to reinforce their offensive line, and with some great talent still available among offensive linemen in this scenario, they should take advantage with their second first-round pick.

Alabama’s Barrett Jones is the best offensive lineman available, but the better fit for the Rams may actually be his teammate, right tackle D.J. Fluker. The Rams have a major need for a right tackle, and Fluker is ready to start at the position right away.

Fluker is very solid as both a pass and run blocker on the right side, with great length, good feet and good strength. He would be an immediate upgrade at a position of need.

The Minnesota Vikings desperately need to add downfield playmakers at wide receiver for Christian Ponder and their passing offense. Selecting the draft’s best wideout in Clemson’s DeAndre Hopkins would be a very smart choice with the No. 23 overall pick.

Hopkins can give the Vikings a much-needed vertical threat on the outside of the field. Hopkins does a very good job tracking the ball in air, is a very good route-runner and is an explosive athlete with good speed and quickness. He could quickly emerge as a go-to offensive option for Ponder to pass to.

With a desperate need to upgrade their interior offensive line, and two of the best players available on the board both being interior linemen, the only decision for the Colts with this pick should be deciding which one to take.

Either North Carolina guard Jon Cooper or Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones would be a terrific choice, given that the Colts need to upgrade at both center and guard. In this scenario, the Colts are projected to select Cooper, who could be an immediate upgrade at either guard spot.

Although selected 14 picks later in this mock draft, Cooper isn’t far behind Chance Warmack as a prospect. He has the best feet of any interior offensive lineman in the draft class, but also great size and strength.

The Seattle Seahawks’ passing offense made incredible strides with rookie quarterback Russell Wilson this season. The Seahawks can make Wilson even better by adding a go-to option and playmaker at wide receiver.

Having recruited him while at USC, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll should know a thing or two about Robert Woods. He should know Woods is as good as any wide receiver in the draft class.

Woods is knocked for having subpar measurables, but he is an outstanding route-runner with great hands, open-field quickness and playmaking ability. He can line up outside and in the slot, and could quickly become Wilson’s most reliable and dynamic weapon.

The Green Bay Packers are in need of a center, a position at which the 2013 NFL Draft is horribly weak. Having Barrett Jones fall into their lap would be a dream scenario.

A versatile offensive lineman who can literally play any position on the line, Jones would be well worth an earlier selection, but could end up falling to this point because of the strong class of offensive linemen combined with the rarity of interior offensive linemen being early first-round pick.

Both an effective pass blocker and run blocker, Jones could be an immediate upgrade at center, but could also be an immediate fix at guard. His toughness and well-rounded game should be exactly what the Packers are looking for an interior offensive lineman.

The Houston Texans’ late collapse at the end of a promising season centered much around the deep passing plays they gave up in the secondary late in the season. The Texans need to add a playmaker to their secondary, and could use an upgrade at free safety over unrestricted free agent Glover Quin.

Eric Reid’s stock is slipping after a subpar junior season, but he is still the most gifted safety in the draft class. Reid is a very good athlete who can both solidify and add a playmaker for the Texans in the secondary, especially in deep coverage. He is well worth a late first-round pick.

Defensive tackle may be the strongest and deepest position at the top of the draft, and another prospect who could work his way into being a first-round pick is Purdue’s Kawann Short. The position is the Denver Broncos’ biggest need, and Short would be a solid choice late on Day 1.

Short is a big, powerful defensive lineman who can push the line of scrimmage and be a run-stopper, while he is also a good interior penetrator with the quickness to bring pressure up the middle. He could be a three-down player on the Broncos’ defensive line and play a big part in strengthening that unit.

29. New England Patriots: Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech

Even if Wes Welker is re-signed and Brandon Lloyd is retained, the Patriots will still need to add another playmaker at wide receiver. Louisiana Tech’s Quinton Patton would be a perfect fit for the Patriots’ offense, regardless of which players come back next season.

An athletic receiver with great hands, body control and ball-tracking ability, Patton can be a dynamic receiver on the outside, but can also make plays inside in the slot. While he is not the speed burner that some of the class’ other receivers are, he is a great fit for the Patriots’ intermediate passing offense.

The Atlanta Falcons need to add another difference-maker to their defensive line. BYU’s Ezekiel Ansah is a risky first-round selection, but the boom-or-bust pick could be exactly the difference-maker the Falcons need on their defensive front if he lives up to his potential.

With only three years of football experience, Ansah may still be scratching the surface of his potential. He has great length and athleticism, and can rush both outside and inside while he is a playmaker in run defense as well.

Ansah does not have a great first-step and lacks technique, but his upside would make him tough for the Falcons to pass up late in Round 1.

The Super Bowl only highlighted what had the San Francisco 49ers’ glaring weakness all season: their secondary giving up big passing plays. The 49ers need to upgrade in the secondary, especially at cornerback, so it makes sense for them to draft the best-available cornerback in the first round in Florida State’s Xavier Rhodes.

A physical man-to-man cover corner with great size, length and tackling ability, Rhodes is a good fit for the 49ers’ defense. He is not a great open-field runner for a cornerback, but his physicality and ball skills give him the potential to be a difference-maker, and he could spend time at safety as well, especially if the 49ers were to lose free safety Dashon Goldson as an unrestricted free agent.

With a number of character red flags to his name including a recent DUI arrest, chances are very good that Georgia’s Alec Ogletree could take a steep fall down the draft board. But if the Baltimore Ravens are willing to take a chance on Ogletree and believe that they can get him in line to take advantage of his talent, he would be a great fit to replace Ray Lewis at inside linebacker.

Like Lewis, Ogletree has outstanding speed for a linebacker and is a big, hard-hitting tackler. A converted safety, Ogletree is effective in coverage and a solid run defender. He would be a good fit to start next to Dannell Ellerbe and be a playmaker on the Ravens defense — as long as he can keep himself on the field and out of trouble.

I read here that many think our DE position is “deep” enough and yes I guess it is. Still I’d like to see BB get yet one more guy that is an all around de. Someone that can defend the run as well as rush. Cunningham, Scott and Francis tend to be rushers, and thats okay but an all around de would give us a lot more flexability.

News is Dennard convicted of assault on police officer. That could mean 6 years.
This changes things alot! The tag is almost certainly going to be put on Talib now. It also means another cb must be drafted high or money spent for a proven cb. Only other route would be by trade and that’s far less likely. How this may effect any trade down can be argued both ways.
My new draft would be:
1#29 Xavour Rhodes cb
2#59 David Amerson cb
3#91 Kwame Gathers dt
7#x Ray Ray Armstrong s
7#y Kenny Tate ss/olb

I would be seriously surprised if Dennard spent any more than 30 days in prison. First offense, no priors, he might do a brief stint, pay a fine, and then get probation or a suspended sentence for the rest. Either way, though, some CB depth is important.

I don’t know about that. It was a police officer he cold cocked after all. 30 days seems dame little. Maybe I just showing my age. It would be good for him and the Patriots but would it send the right social message?
Yes we do need another cb, two if Talib goes. We’re lucky the draft is deep in that area but our lack of picks, espically high picks puts us at a disadvantage. The 2 sevenths are of questionable value. If Talib gets more then a slap on the wrist we’re in trouble.

I think it would be one thing if the cop were grievously injured, or if a firearm were involved, or if there were a history of violence in play, or if it had been a premeditated attack. To me, though, it seems like this was essentially a bar fight that got a little out of hand at the end. I think that violent conduct deserves punishment, certainly, but I think it is important that the punishment be proportional to the crime. In this case, the crime was relatively minor, and I doubt that a sentence of, say, two years in prison is going to benefit society, the victim, or reform the offender more than less prison time coupled with a fine and community service. Just my two cents.

And we now return to our regularly scheduled football topic. Even if Dennard gets no suspension from the NFL, and misses no games from his sentence, the team needs some talent at CB. Personally, I think Talib is gone but Arrington stays, which is fine if Arrington is relegated to the slot. That leaves a gaping hole on one side of the field; I’d like to see Desmond Trufant there, or Jordan Poyer if Trufant is unavailable.

Trufant is one of my two favorite cb’s. As you probably know Rhodes is the other. I would be very happy with either but if it was Poyer I wouldn’t fall into depression either. I like the depth this year at cb and am confident BB will address the position. Just who and when?
lol, I tried to correct my spelling of (damn) then misspelled (little). Geeze I just can’t win.

Your draft is pretty bad. To many QBs there is no way that the Jets are drafting a QB they have to much money tied up there already. Think about you picks before you make them brother. Also there is on way Alec Ogaltree is falling to the Ravens, you must be a Ravens fan if you actually think that is going to happen. Your picks are bad, I can only imagine you arent a winner

Jack you’re totally right this dude’s picks suck. I am sure that he must suck because his picks are so bad. You really think that 2 Qbs are going in round 1 and that Matt Barkley is going #1 in the 2nd round. hows the weather like in Imagination Land today butt face

I actually really like the patton pick. He just seems like a guy that bill would draft. Hes not flashy or overly talked about but he has good enough size and does every thing great. He is a senior and had constant prodution even against the better teams. Just watching him looks like he is a fit in the pats offence. I could actually see the pats taking more than one wr. There is no depth at all and theyre lucky lloyd didnt miss time last season. I think the pats are

Deep at dline unless bill want to get a 3-4 de for a switch back or a successor to vince. Theres plenty of great picks at safety in the 2nd-3rd round range. I like cyprien but his stocks rising fast. I also like zeke motta as a strong tackling ss who showed of his under rated coverage ability at the shrine game. There are also some great d players in fa that will change could everything

Surely you jest: Patton #1 when Patterson is available. D Jones at #2 (59): I’m doing a JPP handspring! Simone at #3:no way, regardless of the Myers/Vrable/BB love fest…rather a CB or SS: such as a Lester, Slay or McDonald. Wish would be to draft Arthur Brown in a Mallett trade. An OL for Dante to mold with the 7th (as long as he is 6’4″ & 310 we should be good). Ray Ray or the heat seeking missile from Syracuse with the second 7th rounder for more CB SS help. In short, a WR to stretch the field, D line help for Vince, a CB & SS, a cover LB and developmental help on the O line.Life would be good.

Not crazy about this draft. I still believe Bill must continue to rebuild def. No way will I welcome a wr with the 29. Best in my mind is still Xavior Rhodes cb. This guy can play cornor or safty, both positions of serious need. Daton Jones in the second? Come on, has he broken a leg or something? All the past few weeks he’s been being mocked in the top half of the first everywhere. If we’re talking 5 picks this is the way it should go unless results at the combine change things.
1# 29 xavior rhodes cb
2# 59 markus wheaton wr
3# 91 kwain gathers dt
7 Ray Ray Armstrong s
7 Kenny Tate olb/ss
No disrespect to other’s but this would make the most sense to fill positions of critical need with players who likely would contribute early and often.

I like Wheaton and 2nd is about right for him. I like Vellano over Gathers who I think needed another year of football. Tate is a guy very much like Cooper Taylor each had med. issues, game is very much the same.
Not sure about RayRay, I would look for a pure CB.
Rhodes has many plus’s, I’m just not sold on him, sorry.

We all have our favorits and it’s okay if your not sold on Rhodes. Ray Ray is high risk high reward kid. Great prospect from the neck down. Wouldn’d base my draft on him but for a 7th, what the heck? Gathers came out to soon, family tradition, but he has a very high up side I’m thinking so if the other two do not slide to 91 he would be a great value.

There is a need for a young wr and no doubt a fair to good one could be gotten at 91 but will they play because there better or by default? I like Wheaton who has been reported to run a 4.4/40. that’s an estimated speed, unofficial but he is fast whatever he finally times at the combine. Also he has good hands, showed the ability to get seperation and get off the line in press coverage. With just 5 picks we can’t cover all needs so something must be left to free agency or trades which are to tuff to guess at here. 5 picks could go all def but thats hard to see.

I agree, if I’m Vollmer with my injury history, I want to stay with New England, at say 4 years, 5.5 mil. So I think they sign him, and back him up with and contiune to improve Zusevics. IF they do take this road, then draft pick #91 could be DT Joe Vellano, who I think looks like Wilfork on Tape !! Great agaisnt the run, pass pressure, OK ,but no sacks.

Your thinking is sound as usual as regards Vollmer. 5.5 would seem fair or even a little more if something could be worked into his contract to cover injury in future.
I really like Joe Vellano, as do you, but I’m a little concerned because I’ve seen him listed at 6-2 285, playing weight.This time next week we should have this cleared up but can you give some update before then.

Up-date Joe Vellano;
In my opinion, this guy is very much like Vince Wilfork. Better than Jesse Williams, not quite as heavey at 290-300. The guy led the country in tackles by a DT ! He had 20 in one game! I have watch 3 full game tapes on him its always the same! High motor, team captain, moves well, sees the ball well, rarely gets knocked off his feet, and tackles well!! Holds his ground with double teams, strong, high IQ, wieght room guy, follows the ball all over the field, and never rest’s on a play!
This a guy BB will like, but where do you draft him? Most Mocks say 5th-6th, HA if BB wants him 2nd is good!!

I have seen those tapes you mention Russell and agree he looks great. I do hope he is around the 300# mark. I’ll be looking for him at the combine. Not sure Bill targets one player per choice or has a short list for each. I suspect the latter but that’s okay. Looking at the class I see three guys I’d love to see us have a choice of at DT. Vellano, Gathers and Brandon Williams from Misu so. Low 2nd or 3rd would be the range I’d expect for them to fall.

Point of fact, Vollmer had a very strong season, injury free, last year. Doesn’t mean Bill should break the bank with a multi year deal. Russell makes great sense thinking a 5.5 x 4 years would be fair. Maybe even a little more.
Hard to see why so many fans have the “grass is always greener” attitude toward proven players like Vollmer, Welker and Talib. I say if you already have someone on board that’s better, fine! But let’em walk expecting some rookie of free agent will be an upgrade is really short sighted.

Hamilton is not a good pick for GB. With four WRs already on the roster he wouldn’t even suit up. Horrible pick when they need help in so many other areas and many good players available to actually help them.

Hankins would be a very attractive pick for Tampa here, esp. if the Bucs keep Michael Bennett to play DT on passing downs. They could then target a corner, maybe moving up to the low first again.
Kenny Vacarro would also be in play at 13 IMO in this scenario.

HAHA ..Sorry, I’m not sure Rhodes will be a Patriot , But you never know. My quess is, Jordan Poyer, or Darius Slay. I think if BB goes CB he will look at a Pure CB type, with high IQ, good size,speed, an a run stopper.
I’m not sure if Joe Vellano will be at the Combine, hope so, but have seen the word as yet.

Well okay, your forgiven, lol. I think between the WR and the CB Bill has to go CB, greatest need. I’m not sure Rhodes will be either nor anyone else in particular but I hope so. I’m going to look around to see if Vellano was invited to the combine, it must be listed somewhere. Hard to believe they wouldn’t invite him over.

OK, its VERY unlikely DE Datone Jones falls to #59. There is one thing I know for sure, if BB likes/targets a player he will draft him any time forget the round!
I think Patriots trade #29 and move back into the mid-second round. If that happens Patriots will pick-up a 2nd, 4th.

My mid-4th could be DT Joe Vellano 6’1″ 300, maybe a better need, tho depth at LB is also a needed, (if one of the three is injured) with a pass -cover type LB.
Both my 7th round guys, could added depth, at a fair price, forget signing, any free agents CB or SS, get younger!

I like your thoughts especially the 2 bigger DBs in the 7th but disagree on needing to only get younger in the secondary. I think we need a vet presence to direct and stabilize the young core we have now. I would like to see a bigger WR as well.

I think if Vollmer leaves, OR signs we need a guy, as Vollmer is injury issues. (maybe why we don’t sign him) I like Brian Winters OG/T better to up-grade at OG, But Williams is better at OT.
If we let Vollomer go, Williams could start, at a fraction of the cost, of signing Vollomer.

We r short on picks need to strike rich in area of needs. T Marcus Zusevics, talented, n under coach Dante for over a year now. I also believe a move to G for Cannon would be wise. Beast. Plus there r some healthier, younger, cheaper, just a notch below talent wise available as FA’s.

I like Zusevics, but is he your starter for the Future? Maybe have not seen him play, and he was undrafted, but I watched him on my draft board last year as a 7th rounder.
He is similar to OT Reid Fragel this year , who is on my board as a 7th.

I agree, BB will trade back. I would like to see us with three 2nd picks, if we could trade Mallett, and trade our 1st pick. Will be interesting to see.
My trade short list has, the Bears, who want an Olineman and LBer, Tampa who wants DT and CB, and the Cowboys who want Vaccaro, and Datone Jones.

This would be a very good draft in a trade down scenario even if Vollmer does not leave. It would fill or renforce 3 positions of need. I know Holloman is favored by you and he would be aa excellant selection if we had a full draft card. My concern is that as a LB he will be behind not only the starters but current backups and as ss his ability to stay with the better receiving te’s is questionable. I know with the limited picks something must be passed on I only wish it was not the D-line.

This is a terrible outcome for the Pats. I just can’t see Bill drafting a WR in the first when this draft is considered strong for WR’s in rounds 2-5. Other than a high ranking OL that magically dropped in his lap the 28th pick should really focus on the defensive side of the ball (DB in particular). This has been a problem area for years and it’s not going to get better without the problem being addressed.

To immediately fix defense I see Pats signing FA RIchard Seymour and Ed Reed for a year or 2 to be role players. Seymour instant pass rush,Reed stability in secondary and bark out orders for young secondary. Oline is a must along with WR. Iwoul not be one bit surprised with Bill B taking another top flight te. Or qb Barkely depending on his workouts at combine. COuld be a real steal in draft.

I think your thinking of the Seymour and Reed of 5 or 6 years ago. You just can’t expect them to be the same now. I’m guessing now but I think both these guys would be looking for more money then they would be worth unless they came in with a one year vet minimum tag. If then sure, fine but I still do not see immediate fix for def by them.

I think he did. I have not heard many prognosticators value the QBs in this draft very highly. I don’t think Andy Reid will reach for a guy at 1.01 he doesn’t believe in. Not convince himself to believe in.
Too bad they didn’t draft Wilson in the third last year.
They need to find someone who can keep Bowe engaged though.

Another thing the ctiger is not considering is that SF will be looking to trade Alex Smith. KC has the ammo to make a serious bid for Alex, a proven NFL qb, and a winner at that. You need to keep in mind that Geno is an unproven prospect. Your team does have options, unlike many, in the qb quest. Not a bad thing.

Well managing a game is better then what you got now (1#1). I suspect he’s somewhat better then that though. You really want Geno, I understand but suggest you check him out at the combine to be sure. No disrespect to him or you intended, I just know how I get kind of stuck on one guy sometimes and end up disappointed. Best of luck to you and KC.

Well don’t hold your breath waiting for SF to cut, QB Smith Not happening, they are paying QB Capernic a cheap rate , so paying Smith is a wash. Seattle will be doing the same with QB Flynn . Most teams do it in reverse how ever.
If KC is smart they take the best player with thier draft pick, and that is not a QB !!

Oh boy Russell Ctiger will really be upset if KC goes your route. Still you may be right Andy should be cut some slack by fans out there for a couple years. If he doesn’t take a QB that can win I expect they will be picking in the top 5 or six for the next few seasons. Somewhere along that line he may perhaps find that winner. As for SF and Smith, given the QB class of 13 he could look pretty good to some teams in need. If SF can get a good offer why not pull the trigger, it would give them extra space under the cap plus the extra picks paid for with the savings.

I think Simon is a good prospect that I see as a sub package guy. Both he and Ninkovich are Vrabel like which seems to be the attraction. I just couldn’t justify taking him given our lack of picks. The trade down our 29 for a bunch of sub package and sp teams players doesn’t feel right to me. WE must address our def first.

2nd rd? Maybe he will. I’d be a little more comfortable if BB took him in the 2nd but still from my memory I know most players his size have limited years in the NFL. Early on they can set the game on fire but they usually don’t last so really, if it was me, I’d hold out til the 3rd for him. Just me, and I’m betting he goes well before that but so what.

I like it but I would rather another WR or a DB in the 3rd. I get the Simon pick with the connections to BB but think we have a good bit of serviceable DEs already on the roster already. Personally I am hoping for a 2nd year jump from bequette.

Carradine in many mocks is being played as a 3rd pick but It’s more likely he’s worth at least a mid 2nd and then only because he’s rehabing from injury and may spend time on pup or even ir this year. That makes him a smart pick for any team that can afford to wait for him.

One of the best mock drafts i’ve seen so far, only a few other players i would think other teams would pick. As a patriot fan if Rhodes was still on board i think they would pick him instead of Patton.

My hunch is that Keenan Allen will fall after the Combine. He’s coming off of an injury, and I don’t think he’ll test very well in comparison to the other top receivers. I’m not as high on Patterson as most. Both could easily be 1st-round picks, but that’s not how I see it at the moment.

I understand your thoughts with Allen, no more “what ifs” medical players. Yet no way is Patterson getting past the Pats at 29. He will be a beast. Wow, Jones that late in the 2nd, ill throw a party. Keep him at 270-275 DE, or put on 10-15 n put him next to Wilfolk. Enough with Simon already. We need some “playmakers” to go with the “steady eddies” we already have. Not a knock.

I am big on Simon, But feel he is hard to justify when we only have 5 draft picks, somewhat like Datone Jones. Great player, great value, but, we are very deep at DE. If Simon looked better at LB, I would say, yes as we need depth at LB, But DeVonte Holloman offers more at LB, in pass coverage.
I think we all feel a trade back into the 2nd round is very likely, to add picks , AND still get players that would fit our needs. If Vollmer is gone, because of contract or injury’s, I think an OT at #91 is our best play.

I could be we are looking at John Simon Wrong. He is VERY strong at the point of attack, at 6’11/5″ 260, great leverage, moves well, might be more of a DT, like what Cunningham did this year, only stronger. NOT heavey enough to play every down, But just a thought!